Boots UK has launched Online Doctor services for 45 healthcare conditions, providing quick access to advice and prescription-only medicine without having to see a GP.

With the addition of the Online Doctor services, Boots said it has almost doubled its range of healthcare and pharmacy services to almost 100.

This latest offering from Boots, which has stores in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud and Tewkesbury, is said to provide convenience to people who would consider private services to access treatment for non-urgent healthcare conditions. Boots said customers are becoming more accustomed to remote services and increasingly look online first for their healthcare needs following the pandemic.

Marc Donovan, chief pharmacist at Boots UK, said: "People are increasingly looking online to access healthcare at a time and place that suits them - a trend that has accelerated during the pandemic.

"Our expanding range of private digital healthcare services is integral to the work of our pharmacists in stores, who can dispense the medicines prescribed via our Online Doctor service as well as provide expert healthcare advice in person.

"We see a future where patients interact with us digitally and in person in a unique blend that suits their personal preferences. Our ambition at Boots is to become everyone's first port of call for their health - however and whenever they need us.

"We hope that by providing access to both NHS services and private healthcare on the high street or online, we can help to relieve pressure on our NHS."

He added that the health and beauty retailer will look to further expand the services available on its Health Hub in the coming months. It will continue to work with third party suppliers to do this and is looking at mental health as its next priority for service expansion.